Only 7 out of 61 Cardiff dental practices accepting new NHS patients

Only seven dentists out of 61 practices in Cardiff are accepting new NHS patients, it has emerged.

Only seven dentists out of 61 practices in Cardiff are accepting new NHS patients, it has emerged.

The figure came to light after the Welsh Liberal Democrats found just one organisation in the capital was listed on the NHS Direct website as "accepting" such patients: the Cardiff and Vale Dental Helpline.

Eluned Parrott, South Wales Central AM, called the figures “shocking” and accused the Welsh Government of failing to fulfil a 2008 pledge to ensure every person in Wales had access to an NHS dentist.

“These figures make a complete mockery out of the Welsh Labour Government’s ambition for everyone in Wales to have access to an NHS dentist,” she said.

“Just stating that everyone should have access to a dentist isn’t enough – there has to be action too.”

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